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Mamata Banerjee vows to protect voter names in West Bengal amid Special Intensive Revision concerns

Mamata Banerjee vows to protect voter names in West Bengal amid Special Intensive Revision concerns

Time of India8 hours ago
West Bengal
Chief Minister
Mamata Banerjee
said on Monday she will not allow the deletion of a single-family name from the West Bengal voters' list if the
Special Intensive Revision
(SIR) begins in the state. Banerjee said she will organise protests if names are deleted and will not allow 'Bihar-like deletion of names'.
'If 40 lakh people are removed from the Bihar list and similar things happen here, we will protest. If SIR happens in Bengal, I will not allow the deletion of a single name. We will protest against it and ramp up the protest to a big scale,' Mamata Banerjee said during the commemoration of Martyr's Day in Kolkata.
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'Since 1993, we have been observing this day for Shahid Tarpan (commemorating martyrs) and as 'Maa-Mati-Manush Diwas' and Save Democracy Day. 'No ID, No Vote' was our movement. Had it not taken place, you would not have received the voter ID card. At least 13 people had died on that day. We had to struggle a lot to reach this position. This struggle will continue unless we oust the BJP at the Centre. It will only end when we bring about a 'parivartan' in Delhi,' Banerjee said, talking about the significance of Martyr's Day today.
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She, however, spoke about starting another movement against the ECI, if names are deleted in the name of SIR. She said a notification has been sent to her on the appointment of a nodal officer, who will be instrumental in deleting names from the voters' list. 'Why will they tell us about appointing a nodal officer? Stopping infiltration is BSF's work. How many people are you going to put in jail? BJP speaks against Emergency, whereas they have imposed 'Super Emergency' in the country,' she said.
Trinamool national general secretary
Abhishek Banerjee
said: 'The BJP and the Election Commission are conspiring against West Bengal. They want to do in West Bengal what they did in Bihar through SIR. If they try the same here, we will gherao them. We will never allow it," he said
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Taken At The Flood: Jagdeep Dhankhar's journey through India's political currents
Taken At The Flood: Jagdeep Dhankhar's journey through India's political currents

India Today

time23 minutes ago

  • India Today

Taken At The Flood: Jagdeep Dhankhar's journey through India's political currents

Life moves like a restless river, always flowing and changing course. At times, it lifts us up to new heights; at other times, it draws us back. But, as Shakespeare wrote, there are moments in life—high tides—that, if seized, can carry us to great fortune. The story of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned on Monday, is much like this river, full of ebb and At The FloodIn 1989, India's political landscape was turbulent, with the Congress facing unprecedented challenges from a united opposition. It was a Dickensian ode to the best of times for the non-Congress opposition and the worst for the Congress and then Prime Minister Rajiv young PM, who had caught the nation's fancy with his persona and vision, had suddenly lost his sheen. A penumbra of corruption, opportunism, and communalism had surrounded his early aura. Bofors, a Swedish gun, had become a household name, and the streets echoed with a nasty slogan: 'Gali, gali main shor hai, Rajiv Gandhi chor hai.' Another narrative was unfolding with the unravelling of Rajiv Gandhi—the rise of Hindutva, amplified by BJP's campaign for a Ram Temple in Ayodhya. As BJP leader LK Advani led a 'Rath Yatra' through the heart of India, leaving behind a legacy of Hindutva revivalism and a trail of blood, a strange alliance shaped Indian politics. It presented Jagdeep Dhankhar an opportunity to ride the high tide of Unlikely AllianceThe left is left, and the right is right, and the twain shall never meet. This axiom of politics turned on its head when the BJP, the Janata Dal—led by VP Singh—and the Left joined hands against Rajiv Gandhi in the 1989 elections. The alliance shredded the social tapestry the Congress had woven through clever caste and communal equations. In many places, it brought rival social groups together, creating a solid vote bank against the Congress. The impact of this coalition was felt most in states like Rajasthan, where feudal-era loyalties had created deep schisms between politically vocal castes like Jats and Rajputs. For the first time in Indian history, these arch-rivals united to uproot the 1989The desert town of Jhunjhunu, possibly named after a chieftain called Jhunjha, is the beating heart of Shekhawati, a region in Rajasthan known as the birthplace of some of India's biggest business tycoons. Born in a small village in Jhunjhunu, Dhankhar moved to Jaipur to practice law, where he became president of the High Court Bar Association. But his political destiny awaited him in politics is dominated by three groups—the numerically superior Jats, the politically united Muslims, and the socially powerful Rajputs, who once ruled as chieftains. The politics of Jhunjhunu was historically dominated by the Congress, which created a solid vote bloc of Jats, Muslims, and Dalits. In 1989, two leaders blasted away this bonhomie, giving Dhankhar a rare opportunity in Tau and The ThakuradvertisementAmong the Jats of Rajasthan, especially in the Shekhawati region, Chaudhary Devi Lal emerged as an unexpected star, even though his karma bhoomi was the adjoining state of Haryana. Revered as Tau by followers, Devi Lal shook Rajasthan's political landscape when he announced his candidature from Sikar, against Congress heavyweight and fellow Jat, Balram Lal's decision to contest from Sikar, which abuts Jhunjhunu, drew Jats to the opposition in the entire Shekhawati region. They combined with the Rajputs, led by BJP stalwart Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, and the lure of VP Singh, a Thakur, to form a formidable group that guaranteed opposition victory.A Pivotal Rally: The Turning PointIt was Tau Devi Lal's 75th birthday, an occasion turned into opposition's heft at Delhi's Boat Club. Dhankhar, a young lawyer with political ambition, organised a large gathering from Jhunjhunu to attend the birthday rally.A few days later, while his Sangram Colony house in Jaipur was dipped in the dark because of a power cut, light shone through. Devi Lal and Ajit Singh visited him, offering him the chance to contest from Jhunjhunu. Riding on the anger against PM Gandhi, thrust forward by the combined might of the Jat-Rajput coalition, Dhankhar swept the and FlowThe river of destiny shifted its course in November 1990. VP Singh, carried to power by high hopes and the surge of public will, formed the government. Dhankhar was inducted as a junior minister, ironically, on the recommendation of Bansi Lal, a Congress leader. In November 1989, VP Singh's government fell toppled by collapsing alliances. Chandra Shekhar, whose journey had long flowed against the mainstream, now found himself steering the that moment's confluence, another opportunity emerged when he was called to serve as Minister of State in the government. But, he refused to take oath, objecting to the inclusion of Rajasthan leaders Daulat Ram and Kalyan Singh as senior March 1991, Chandra Shekhar's government, always precarious, lost the support that had kept it standing. Faced with mounting political pressure and growing isolation, he resigned, bringing his brief time in office to an end. With the cabinet dissolved, Dhankhar's role in national politics faded as quickly as it had appeared. The attention shifted, new names emerged, and for Dhankhar, it was a return to relative obscurity, his moment on the central stage quietly passing into Out the LullThe gates of Parliament had closed, but ambition still stirred. Politics, though, seldom forgives or forgets. The Congress, regaining dominance through the 1990s, saw Dhankhar make a pragmatic shift—he joined its ranks, winning a state assembly seat in 1993. For a while, after his assembly win, Dhankhar's career he made a political blunder. In the caste-driven politics of Rajasthan, Dhankhar positioned himself as a Jat leader. Unfortunately for him, the reins of the Congress passed to Ashok Gehlot, who swiftly purged the party of Jat leaders. Denied the chance to contest for the Assembly by Gehlot, Dhankhar joined the NCP, and then the BJP ahead of the 2003 Assembly polls. Vasundhara Raje, his old friend and the new BJP satrap, refused to give Dhankhar a Rajya Sabha ticket, ending his dream of a return to national 15-year ExileHis political journey, once brimming with promise, was derailed by a mix of his own impatience, sudden changes in allegiance, and missteps, as well as the rise of regional leaders who viewed the shrewd lawyer with suspicion. Consequently, after brief spells in nearly every major political party within a decade, he found himself pushed to the sidelines, left to while away his has its own rhythm. At the beginning of the millennium, Dhankhar waited patiently for the tide to turn. Visitors to his farm on the outskirts of Jaipur were treated with the luxury of time and the coffee he blended himself, stirring it for hours with a political wilderness stretched for nearly 15 years. Dhankhar, however, remained more than a distant memory. He remained active in the legal world, earning renown as a sharp, argumentative advocate in the Supreme Court. In these years, he forged quiet but potent links with the RSS, lending his insights and tenacity to the background operations of the Sangh and BJP, even as he was denied a formal Angles of ReturnIn 2019, fortune turned. The BJP, seeking a seasoned and regionally credible leader, tapped Dhankhar as Governor of West Bengal—a surprise move that returned him to the center of political action. His legal acumen and deep understanding of political strategy became assets as he dealt with the fierce, often confrontational politics of Bengal, often sparring with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. His confrontational style was rewarded by the BJP with his election as Vice President in 2022. But another chapter was Health and Political ConcernsThis March, Dhankhar underwent a procedure for removal of blockages in the heart. But the problem of low blood pressure and fainting spells persisted. This, according to official sources, is the reason for his sudden the real reason is complex. Sources close to Dhankhar cite his continuous neglect by the BJP top brass, indicating a rapid souring of relationship. In his home state, Rajasthan, the Vice President felt slighted by the chief minister, Bhajan Lal, who would often ignore his trips, or requests. Sources close to him say he was being insulted on purpose–a clear message that his stock had fallen within the 20 was the birthday of his wife, Dr Sudesh Dhankhar. A feast was organised for the staff, with jalebis flown in from Jaipur. There was no sign of his impending resignation, though Dhankhar was aware that he had overstayed his welcome. Whispers in political circles suggest tensions with BJP leadership over his outspoken remarks on farmers and the judiciary, though no official confirmation a day later, on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Dhankhar quit. 'He was simmering because the top brass had turned cold and aloof. Things had turned so bad that the party leadership would ignore even his salutations and greetings,' a family source of the SurvivorsDhankhar's journey is less a tale of permanent ascent and more one of resilience—the ability to wait, adapt, and seize opportunity when it arises. His recent resignation is simply the latest bend in a long, unpredictable course. Jagdeep Dhankhar has navigated the floods with remarkable tenacity. Will he catch another high tide, or is this the end of his political journey? Time will reveal its future ebb and flow.- Ends

6,688 companies left West Bengal during TMC's rule: Centre
6,688 companies left West Bengal during TMC's rule: Centre

New Indian Express

time23 minutes ago

  • New Indian Express

6,688 companies left West Bengal during TMC's rule: Centre

KOLKATA: In the last 14 years, 6,688 companies have left West Bengal, the Parliament was informed on Tuesday. Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra said in the Rajya Sabha that between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2025, 6,688 companies have relocated their registered offices from West Bengal to other states. He was replying to a question from BJP MP and party's West Bengal state president, Samik Bhattacharya. It may be noted that Mamata Banerjee's Government came to power in West Bengal in May 2011. Armed with the Union Minister's reply, BJP's National IT Cell head Amit Malviya took to X to launch an attack on the Trinamool Congress. He said, 'Under the Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee, 6688 companies have relocated their registered offices from West Bengal to other Indian states between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2025. Out of the 6688 companies that left West Bengal, 110 were listed on the stock exchange at the time of their relocation.'

'Rummy' Turn In Maharashtra Politics After Minister Caught In Card Row
'Rummy' Turn In Maharashtra Politics After Minister Caught In Card Row

NDTV

time23 minutes ago

  • NDTV

'Rummy' Turn In Maharashtra Politics After Minister Caught In Card Row

Mumbai: The cards are on the table, so to speak, in the Maharashtra Assembly after videos of Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate tapping away at a game on his smartphone - while the House was in session - were widely shared online and pushed the ruling Mahayuti alliance into a corner. Led by NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar's grandnephew, Rohit Pawar, the opposition has accused the Nationalist Congress Party leader of playing online rummy during a discussion on livestock support for farmer from tribal communities, a topic within an Agriculture Minister's wheelhouse. Videos shared by Mr Pawar do seem to show Manikrao Kokate playing a card game; a 19-second clip posted on X showed him swiping intently and purposefully at a stack of cards on the screen. Mr Kokate, meanwhile, has denied the charge. He told reporters he does not play the game in question - i.e., rummy - and was trying to open video-sharing app YouTube when an ad for the card game popped up on his phone. It is unclear why he was trying to open YouTube. He also threatened legal action against those who had "defamed" him. Mr Kokate said he intends to write to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis - who was forced to censure the senior minister after the videos were circulated - to 'investigate' the video. The rummy storm erupted Sunday after Rohit Pawar posted the videos on X. ' #जंगली_रमी_पे_आओ_ना_महाराज …!' सत्तेतल्या राष्ट्रवादी गटाला भाजपला विचारल्याशिवाय काहीच करता येत नाही म्हणूनच शेतीचे असंख्य प्रश्न प्रलंबित असताना, राज्यात रोज ८ शेतकरी आत्महत्या करत असताना सुद्धा काही कामच नसल्याने कृषिमंत्र्यांवर रमी खेळण्याची वेळ येत असावी. रस्ता भरकटलेल्या… — Rohit Pawar (@RRPSpeaks) July 20, 2025 A sarcastic swipe at the NCP faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar - which broke away from Sharad Pawar's NCP in 2023 to join the BJP-led ruling alliance - accompanied the post. "Since the NCP faction in power cannot do anything without consulting the BJP... even with countless agricultural issues pending and eight farmers committing suicide daily, the Agriculture Minister, with nothing else to do, seems to have time to play rummy." Mr Pawar underlined his jab with a follow-up post this morning, calling out "misguided ministers" and a government that ignores, he said, "the desperate plea of farmers..." #राजीनामा_द्यावाच_लागेल! सभागृहाचं कामकाज संपलं होतं हे कृषिमंत्री महोदयांचं विधान धडधडीत खोटं आहे. उलट विकासाच्या मूळ प्रवाहापासून दूर असलेल्या आदिवासी बांधवांना दुधाळ जनावरं देण्याच्या अत्यंत महत्त्वाच्या विषयावर सभागृहात चर्चा सुरु होती, पण 'ओसाड गावच्या पाटलांना' या चर्चेत… — Rohit Pawar (@RRPSpeaks) July 22, 2025 The videos were quickly picked up and shared by other opposition leaders, including Jitendra Awhad of the NCP (Sharad Pawar), and the clamour for Mr Kokate's resignation grew. Pressure on Ajit Pawar to sack his party leader grew after Mr Fadnavis' censure - the BJP leader, however, offered a measure of support by claiming Mr Kokate wasn't actually trying to play the game - and rumblings from the third member of the Mahayuti, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena. VIDEO | Maharashtra Minister Caught Playing Rummy In Assembly. His Defence Mr Kokate has also insisted, again, that he does not know how to play rummy online. "You need an OTP and a linked bank account to play the game... can check if my phone is linked to any such game. I was trying to skip a game that popped up on my screen for fifteen seconds." And he responded fiercely to demands for his resignation, saying, "What have I done to resign? Let the Chief Minister conduct a probe... and if I am guilty then I will resign immediately." "I have been an MLA for 25 years and I know the protocol of conduct in the House." Kokate's Birthday Wish For Ajit Pawar While this controversy plays out, Mr Kokate seemed to be currying favour with party boss Ajit Pawar this morning, orchestrating a grand 'happy birthday' message for the 66-year-old. 'Happy birthday, dada (as Mr Pawar is referred to)' was written across 11 acres of agricultural land within the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation area. The message was etched across a field in Mr Kokate's Sinnar constituency. And, of course, also featured a large photograph of the birthday boy, i.e., Mr Pawar.

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